Getting Started

Individual Microboards Formation Steps

For Microboards intending to become providers under the TN DIDD Home and Community Based Waiver programs:

Step One:
Information Session(s) with the person and his/her family (if available and interested), and potential board members.

What happens here: TAMC staff meet with the person and his/her family to describe what a microboard is, the steps to forming a microboard, and the commitment it takes to create your own provider. The person and his/her family is welcome to invite anyone they wish to this meeting as well. This session is done via videoconference.

What happens here: TAMC staff identify two Volunteer PATH Guides who meet with the individual and his/her family along with invited persons only in a personal planning session. This session helps reframe and refocus the individual and family’s thinking to what his or her future can hold. Individuals and their families control who is in the room as well as when and where these meetings. Potential members of the microboard are provided with an opportunity to see what their commitment to the individual means and how they can become involved in making that individual’s PATH become a reality.

Step Three: Board of Directors Training and Orientation Sessions.

What happens here:

Session 1: TAMC staff meets with the initial individual microboard’s potential board members and provide training on the responsibilities of being on the board of directors of a non-profit organization. TAMC staff provides a template for the articles of incorporation and by-laws. This session is done via videoconference.

Session 2: TAMC staff review financial, personnel, and programmatic requirements that the board of directors is required to oversee. This session is done via videoconference.

At this stage, the microboard is considered official and can begin overseeing the supports or services the focus person receives as members of the Circle of Support (under TN DIDD guidelines) or as natural supporters and allies for individuals who have no funded services.

or, if the individual has funded services under the TN DIDD Home and Community Based Medicaid waiver programs, the microboard can pursue certified provider status for direct funding of the microboard.

Step Four: Overview Session on Becoming a State Approved Provider of Services under Tennessee’s Home and Community Based Waiver. Other follow-up sessions are scheduled to assist and review progress until the application is complete and submitted. TN DIDD accepts new provider applications twice a year and TAMC meetings are held in keeping with that schedule.

What happens here: TAMC staff meets with the Board of Directors and review the application to become a provider. The microboard is provided with materials and sample applications as models to use in developing their application. TAMC staff continue to provide on-site and off-sight assistance and feedback until the application is submitted for approval. These sessions are held in person and via videoconference.

Step Five: On-going Technical Assistance: Provider Start-up.

What happens here: After the application is submitted, TAMC staff continue to meet with the Board of Directors to review processes, procedures and mechanisms that are needed to continue developing the microboard and preparing to become a provider of services and supports. Assistance is given in establishing the documentation system the microboard will use in order to comply with Tennessee Home and Community Based Waiver Requirements and/or other funding requirements. These sessions are held in person and via videoconference.